5 comments about Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. This book is a completely comprehensive guide to owning a Wheaten. However, the writing is silly at times and there are a few things that are really meant for show dogs rather than a simple pet. Still, it has all of the really important info that one would need if considering to purchase a wheaten.



2. The book has lots of great colored pictures, and is very informative on Wheatens. Worth the price.



3. I purchased this manual for my daughter, as she just purchased a Wheaten Terrier and couldn't find a Wheaten manual any place locally. She told me that is was a perfect & very informative manual.



4. Book shared some specific Wheaten info that I was not aware of but much of it was pretty generic information



5. We're getting our first SCWT in a couple of days and this book has helped us feel much more prepared. Good tips and tricks for dealing with this bred.

5 comments about Canine Reproduction And Whelping: A Dog Breeder's Guide.

1. If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of Myra's seminars, this is the next best thing. This book has a lot of hands on practical information. She has a simple matter of fact style of instruction. Her explanations and directions include easy too follow instructions. Very basic information,... the 'need to know' stuff. Not an expansive all inclusive text. Just the down to earth topics to get you through the moment.



2. This book covers so much more that hasn't been covered in other popular breeding books. Well worth the investment.



3. This is a good book but a first time breeder would be making a mistake to not discuss the whelping recommendations given here with their vet... use of Calsorb, in particular, but a few others. All dogs are individuals and one size does not fit all.
   
   The companion book, Puppy Intensive Care, is also helpful and its DVD shows how to do sub Q IV and insert a feeding tube.



4. This book is very through and covers all aspect of Canine Reproduction and whelping. The book is rather strait forward and makes for a good read on this topic. This book is for people who want to know more about Canine Reproduction and Whelping, and is a great addition for breeders. This is not the book for someone who clearly knows nothing on breeding and wants to find out if the dog they have is worth breeding. This gets at the mechanics and care of the Canine.



5. Book is very helpful, answered a lot of questions I had and now feel pretty prepared for delivery of our first puppies..

5 comments about Boxers for Dummies.

1. The book about Boxers has lots of information about the breed. Those of us who are unfamiliar with the breed, gathered lots of things that will help us in the care and nuturing of this wonderful animal! Who knew that big old grizzly looking Boxer was a sweetheart, full of affection and devotion! Great reference book to have on handle, especially if you're rearing a pup.



2. We've just become the owners of a boxer pup, and used this book before and after he joined our family. The book is very easy to understand and contains a wealth of useful material. It also has a lot of general sections that would be relevant to any new pet owner. This isn't a book you would use for hard-core research, but I recommend it for the average new pet owner as an easy to read reference. It was well worth the price.



3. I agree with one of the preceding reviews. Substitute beagle or French poodle for boxer and you have 90% the same book. I was looking for a little more insight.



4. I really enjoyed reading this book on Boxers. I am researching dog breeds before I commit to a new family member. There was a careful balance of enthusiasm for the Boxer and warnings of their specialized needs AND the responsibilites of Boxer ownership.
   I especially enjoyed the observations he made between male and female boxers, puppy training, and problematic behaviors.
   Even if I don't decide to own a Boxer in the future, this was an entertaining educational read that I would recommend to all.



5. Like most for dummies books, this is essentially a cut and paste of all of their other dog books with the word boxer inserted in place of dog. In a few cases it has stories of the writers experiences with boxers but this book is really nothing special. Try culture clash to get a better understanding of your companion.

5 comments about Disposable Dogs: Heartwarming, True Stories of Courage and Compassion.

1. A very pleasant book for dog lovers. It's a rather simple book with a collection of brief stories about various dogs and how they have impacted the lives of humans in a positive way. Most of the dogs featured are rescue dogs and many have been seriously abused. Some were so abused that they faced euthanasia but a wag of a tail showed their determination to live. All of the dogs show love and compassion to their humans and some become true heroes in every sense of the word. Others simply give their humans a reason to live and to smile again. Most of the stories are about the unconditional love dogs give us even when humans have been far from kind to them. I'd guess the author collected a number of stories about dogs and combined them into a book. It's a nice collection of sweet stories where most, but not all, have happy endings, but in every story a human was touched by the love and compassion of a dog



2. These stories show the way dogs think, love, forgive, learn to trust again after horrible abuse and that there is more to dogs than we think. This book touched me, made me angry, made me cry, and made me cherish and look at my four dogs in a completely different way. I thank the author for showing me that the bond of love between humans and animals is something I had been taking for granted. And for those who haven't experienced it, they are missing something more precious than any gem on Earth.



3. To think that these dogs were disposed! How many more have died suffering or been euthanazed - what wasted lives! But their luck turned around and for it, both people and these dogs lives were enriched; some even saved their saviours.
   
   I think the message this book tries to send out is: next time you see a stray, don't think of it as a nuisance but a life that has value and deserves to be on this planet; a life that could have given so much love and care, if only his/her circumstances were different.
   
   It's a good read, if only just to enlighten people.



4. I found the stories touching and at the same time heartwarming. In a time when the world as we know it can be cruel to mans best friend, it lets the readers know how kindness and compassion is still prevalent. It makes you realize how much hope and love abandoned dogs and cats can still give us after their hard and sometimes heartbreaking events.



5. For the dog lover - an insight in to the stories and lives of very special dogs.A must read for dog lovers.

5 comments about The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (Natural Vets Guide).

1. I received the envelope with the ad circular but the book was not in the package.



2. This book will help you to understand why cancer is so rampant in our pets, and give you alternatives to conventional food and medicine while raising them to be healthy and happy.



3. I know I submitted a review before but for some reason it isn't here. I so want to encourage people to buy this book. Dr. Messonnier is a thorough researcher and a holistic vet with years of experience.
   He explains different treatments and also preventative steps we all can take to try and keep our pets healthy.
   Diane



4. Dr. Shawn's book is filled with great wisdom and compassion. Information is a powerful weapon against cancer and Dr. Shawn proves this time and time again. Dr. Shawn's "The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs" is filled with invaluable and easy to comprehend information. This book will truly empower you as you wage battle against cancer in your beloved animal friend.



5. Well it's taken me over 4 years but in response to your requests I've finally finished and released this timely book. In The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, you'll learn the pros and cons of both conventional and alernative therapies. I also discuss using diet to prevent and treat cancer, outline a plan using supplements to reduce the incidence of cancer in your pets, and share with you how to control pain in the cancer patient. Here are some of the wonderful reviews of the book I've received:
   
   *"It's becoming more and more evident that natural cancer treatments for both animals and humans have had significant success. With his book, Dr. Messonnier provides a desperately needed bridge between the traditional and more natural cancer therapies. As a health intuitive this book rates a 10+++, a win-win situation!"
   
   Carol Keppler
   Intuitive Health
   
   *"This is a truly important book, vital to all dog owners. Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs, and unfortunately, veterinarians are seeing cancer in younger and younger animals as well. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but with this book, you get a ton of each!
   
   This is, without question, the most comprehensive book available on this topic. Dr. Messonnier covers all aspects in detail. While some of the language is technical, each medical term is thoroughly explained to allow dog guardians to communicate effectively with their veterinarians. The even-handed coverage of both conventional and alternative treatments provides a rational overview of the most useful therapies from both sides of the fence.
   
   This book is easy to read and well organized. The appendices provide much useful additional information. It's an extremely valuable resource, not just about dogs with cancer, but for dogs of all ages whose guardians are aiming for optimal health and cancer prevention, rather than reacting to a cancer diagnosis."
   
   Jean Hofve, DVM
   
   *"Dr. Messonnier's landmark work is a comprehensive, practical guide to a subject that every pet owner should be concerned about."
   
   Michael T. Murray, N.D., coauthor How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine
   
   *"This book should be recommended reading for everyone who
   brings a dog into their lives. Dr. Shawn Messonnier's advice on
   holistic preventative care removes the mystery and fear about
   cancer and replaces it with a solid understanding of what we
   should do-and not do-when raising our dogs. Armed with the
   information in this book, we can take precautions to help
   prevent cancer in our pets, then work with our veterinarian to
   plot a course of action if cancer is diagnosed. A user-friendly
   book that steers clear of false hope and tells it like it is."
   
   
   Joan Stewart
   The Publicity Hound
   
   
   I hope you agree and will use this book to both prevent and treat cancer in your dog (and yes, cat owners can use the information in here as well to help their beloved feline family members!)
   
   Shawn Messonnier, DVM
   Host of Dr. Shawn-The Natural Vet, on Martha Stewart Living Radio Sirius Channel 112.
   www.petcarenaturally.com

5 comments about Work Wonders: Feed Your Dog Raw Meaty Bones.

1. Don't read this book and it's text-like companion,"RAW MEATY BONES", unless you are ready to copletely revamp your feeding philosophy with your dog or cat. The guilt feelings sure to be part of your psyche after learning the facts, will, however, be tempered by your new found knowledge. and will lead to the wisdom to help others. Oh, those years of doing it wrong at the expense of those four footed friends who were powerless to voice their discomfort. Thank you, Tom Lonsde. Your parents did not waste your tuition money. It was my parents whow wasted my tuition, having produced an idiot who went along believing thqt pet foodcompanies gave a damn about our little guys.



2. If you want to show your pets how much you love them,then buy this book and put it into practise,otherwise just open another can and ignore their health.



3. The loss of two of my 'shadows' - a fox terrier and a border collie - from suspected kibble issues prompted buying this book. Having lost four dogs in a month, with nothing in common but the food, I find it amazing that mine are the only ones with problems. My remaining dogs were immediately taken off kibble. They vary from a small BC cross to a German Shepherd. All have taken to real food well. With due respect to the ones rating it low after having had problems...I'd take a $2500 vet bill over the loss of a beloved show prospect and the loss of the last daughter of my old girl (lost to cancer in '06). They cannot be replaced - there is no future with them.
   
   This book is a good overview of the basics, the good things and the not good things (where it's pointed out DO NOT give wings to large breeds due to possible choking when they gulp without chewing). My sheltie shadow has had the biggest adjustment as it takes him a little bit to navigate the food.
   
   However there's benefits that go beyond health. Meals are a bit of a feeding frenzy with multiple dogs anyway (even when separated). However, when all have had a chicken quarter they lay down content, sleep far more soundly than when they'd get kibble. I don't envision feeding kangaroo tails as that's not a reliable source; and it's a little more difficult to find reasonable priced rabbit etc. But the immediate difference in the attitudes of the dogs after eating is marked. There's a contentment that is hard to describe but easy to see. They also no longer eat then look pregnant (but there's nothing wrong with the kibble?) and/or vomit or simply go to sleep and not wake up.
   
   Good reading, some good ideas. I *much* prefer feeding liver every couple of weeks as recommended here rather than daily...although I might go in between and do once per week with mine. The stressing of different kinds of meat was interesting as well. Am not quite done with it - have read quite a bit on the subject online as well.
   I wish I could go back and start this a month ago - Hatter and Fly would still be here. But for other dogs...highly recommend this method of feeding and this book as a primer.



4. This book should be essential reading to anyone buying a new pup or kitten. I think many vets should read it too...
   
   A simple and easy to read guide for feeding your pets based around sound scientific principles rather than faulty reasonings. Lonsdale clearly puts forward his case for feeding a raw diet. I found the observation charts from zoos especially interesting as they clearly prove the claims of 'stomach content' eating are false.
   
   No special supplements, no pushing commercial products just common sense backed by years of research and observations.



5. This book is specifically targeted to beginners. People who have been feeding raw for a while aren't going to find it that great but there's a wealth of information for the newbie. Easy to follow and engaging, covers all the practicalities involved with raw feeding from what to feed, sources for meat as well as information about WHY to feed raw.

5 comments about Culturing Live Foods: A Step-By-Step Guide to Producing Food for Your Home Aquarium.

1. If you've ever seen your aquarium fish look hungry for more, then Michael R. Hellweg's Culturing Live Foods: A Step-by-Step Guide for Culturing One's Own Food for the Home Aquarium is for you. It tells how to make happier fish by cultivating live foods they like - plants, multi-celled organisms, crustaceans, mollusks and worms - over 80 such foods in all. Culture methods, materials needed, color sidebars of reference information and more make for discussions of species, care, and what kinds of aquarium fish they can feed. Libraries specializing in aquarium owner's guides will find this offers something different for the avid aquarium owner.



2. The information contained in this book will prove invaluable to anyone interested in maintaining or breeding just about any species of tropical fish,and it is written in a down to earth style that is very easy to understand.
   You can't go wrong with this book.



3. This is a terrific, up-to-date resource by Mike Hellweg, a master fish breeder whose success with fish is built on his success in feeding his fish appropriate live foods.
   
   I've been discussing the culture of various live foods with Mike for several years now, and studying a lot of what has been easily available on the internet, and even put together my own web page reviewing the techniques I've used with my own cultures. But this book has already given me new tips and tricks on creatures I thought I knew all about, and given me confidence to try some that I've failed with in the past. The details are just right to enable success with each organism, and there are good sources for more information if you want or need it.
   
   This book is also an excellent primer on spawning fish, because several species are discussed as easily bred feeders for larger fish. Those are tips you can use to propagate those and related species for your own enjoyment even if you don't keep predatory fish.
   
   I can't recommend this highly enough for the aquarist who wants to keep and spawn happy, healthy fish.



4. I'm really happy to see this book. It's been a long time since we have had updated comprehensive information. This is presented beautifully and very well written. Any serious Aquarist should plan on this book for their collection. You won't be disappointed.



5. Culturing Live Foods
   By
   Michael R. Hellweg
   
   Since Mike Hellweg is an old and valued friend/colleague in the tropical fish hobby, my opinions about his new book "Culturing Live Foods" may be a little biased - although they really need not be. "Culturing Live Foods" is a much-needed, and excellently written book, and it is an important contribution to the aquarium hobby. Mike is well known throughout the hobby as not only an accomplished writer, but also a master breeder, and he shares with us the fact that much of his success in breeding fishes comes from giving live foods to both the breeders, and the offspring.
   "Culturing Live Foods" starts with a very interesting discussion of the history of fish foods, and the reasons for feeding live foods today, even though we have a wide variety of excellent frozen and dry foods available to us. The book then discusses the tools and containers needed, and getting starter cultures, for live foods. The foods themselves start with the smallest ones that are used - phytoplankton, or "Green water". Protozoans, or "infusoria" are then discussed, and then somewhat larger foods such as copepods, rotifers and vinegar eels. Much space is devoted to brine shrimp, which is fitting as they are probably the most common live food in the hobby. Mike discusses hatching, enriching and growing live brine shrimps to adults, as well as decapsulating the cysts (eggs).
   As the book progresses we move up in size for the live foods, from worms (whiteworms, tubifex, blackworms and earthworms) to snails and crustaceans such as daphnia, moina and mysis shrimps. Other shrimps such as glass or grass shrimps and various species of Neocaridina are covered. Insects are the next category, and they include flour beetles, fruit flies, mealworms and mosquito larvae - including the constant battle between hobbyists and spouses about whether the standing water that has been left out was left there on purpose or by mistake, the net effect being a nice population of mosquito larvae that the hobbyist finds terrific for feeding fish, and the spouse sees only as a source of biting insects. The final group of live foods are fish, and here Mike mentions the problems with buying feeder fish from the local fish store (or bait store), and he strongly suggests that hobbyists raise their own feeder fish if at all possible.
   Mike's book is packed with a wealth of detailed information, and yet it is much more than a simple "How To" book. It is an interesting, well written and very informative book, and covers all aspects of live foods, from starting cultures to collecting foods from the wild. There is an excellent group of resources at the end of the book in terms of related books, magazines, Internet sites and suppliers of live foods and cultures. "Culturing Live Foods" should be in the library of any fish hobbyist who wants to keep, and breed, fish successfully.

5 comments about Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback)).

1. before you kill your fish, read this book... very thorough easy and fun to read.



2. Helped me to start my information gathering for starting a salt water tank. Also helped me know what questions to ask when looking for other sources of information.



3. This is a wonderfully informative book for a anyone just getting into salt water aquariums



4. This book is filled with lots of wonderful information for starting your first saltwater aquarium. However, it reads like a dictionary. It's simply need-to-know information without much rhythm. I found myself actually nodding off while trying to read this book at 5 p.m. More pictures would probably have helped keep my interest, but I can't say for sure. Otherwise, Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies had useful information that I was able to apply to my aquarium hobby.



5. This book makes saltwater aquariums seem easier than they actually are. For one, I don't even think the book mentions the use of reverse osmosis or deionized water, which is strongly recommended by all marine aquarists. The author also doesn't mention the importance of live rock. In fact, he goes as far to advise against using live rock for fish-only tanks! Sure, you might be able to get away with not using live rock, but it won't be worth it in the long run. Also, I don't agree with the list of recommended filter combinations. One more thing, the book lists an air stone as essential equipment, but the only thing an air stone will do is aid evaporation and cause salt creep! If you have enough movement of water at the surface, you should get sufficient gas exchange. There is, however, one thing the book does get right: its strong recommendation of using a protein skimmer.
   
   This book is easy to understand, but you won't be getting the best information.

5 comments about Crate Training Your Dog (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-267).

1. The information in this book gives me very good guidelines for training Jamie, which I appreciated since I did not know how to go about it with my first dog, Beau. It is knowing how to start & to carry through with the training that I needed to know. It is slow but it is working.



2. Shipping etc was super fast - super easy purchase.. I didn't read close enough - thought I was getting a book - got a pamphlet type of thing! AND...If you read the title right up top... it says..."wisdom bulletin" DUH me! so I don't really have any complaints - still a good source of information - I just paid more for this lil pamphlet than I did for some hardcover books!! LOL Thanks!



3. great book, very useful info and arrived in a timely manner!



4. If you want to learn about crate training your puppy, buy a book about raising your specific breed of dog or get a copy of How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With. This 'book' (I would call it a pamphlet!) does not have any information that any decent book on raising puppies does not.



5. This book didn't teach me anything I didn't already know. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

No comments about Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process.